Aiganym gained knowledge in the USA

Knowledge has no boundaries. Even Bill Gates, who is one of the richest people in the world, puts knowledge before all else, saying that “Knowledge is the most important tool”. Because, he understands well that he was able to achieve such fame and popularity, good reputation and career thanks to his knowledge, and neither a valuable thing, nor a pile of money can replace it. Nowadays the path is open to all who wish to acquire knowledge and to do science. There is no interference; conversely, it turns out to be a lot of support. In the past, we often heard about the students’ exchange between domestic and foreign educational institutions. Currently, this process has also started in schools. For example, an American program “FLEX” gives great opportunities for Kazakhstani students to gain knowledge in the United States. The full name of the program, sponsored by the State Department of the United States Government, is “The Future Leaders Exchange Program», which is referred to as “The future leaders exchange program”. The program was designed for Former Soviet Republics students, whose main goal is to strengthen the cultural ties between the countries.
Last year under the given program a 12th grade student of Nazarbayev Intellectual school of Physics and Math in Semey, Aiganym Khamitkhanova received knowledge in «Douglas County High School» of the State of Colorado. As our alumna told it, she had to pass through complex and difficult tests, which consisted of three stages to take part in the given program. After passing all tests with dignity, Aiganym was one of 118 students, who travelled from Kazakhstan to the United States, where she lived all year under one roof together with an American family.
– I lived in a family house of Americans named Josh-Rebecca Harcharik. Working as a teacher and auditor, they have two children named Briana and Daniel. They welcomed me reasonably good and we quickly learned to understand one another, as if we had been familiar with each other for a long time. They treated me as a member of their family. The reason why I stayed in an American family is that it is the requirement of the program. Because, every student who comes to study under the program should live together with family in order to get to know Americans better, learn English more easily and be fully satisfied with their everyday life. This opportunity greatly helped me to master the language well and carefully explore the country located on the other side of the ocean, – says our student.
Aiganym, in addition, noticed that there are many differences in the educational system. As she told, American students are more likely to choose subjects according to their academic performance. In addition, much attention is paid to sports and various clubs. The pupil of Semey, according to her needs, in addition to the chosen French language, yoga, English language, modern literature, mathematics, psychology, introduction to business, also turn into drama club. She learned the given subjects by turn during two terms.
– I not only gained knowledge during the year spent in America, but I also shared with American peers more information about Kazakhstan, our country, history, traditions and customs. They are significantly interested in our history and life. I would even say that a meeting with a representative of US policy office in Central Asia, Jennifer Miller and my visit to the UN Headquarters in New York in May, have become one of the most special events in my life. In her speech Aiganym said:
-I was convinced that Americans treat people with respect, and that I was able to develop my volunteer abilities. An upcoming dream of our alumna, who is continuing the last year of her studies in our school, is to master the specialty of international relations. Her main objective is to contribute to creating the conditions for a friendly and peaceful life without any hostile conflicts between various nations on Earth.

Yermek Issabayev,
Press Center of NIS Semey